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By Laura, Tuesday 27th July 2010 12.29pm (315 views)
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“Hello everyone, after the breakup of Little Man Tate in October 2009 I never imagined I'd be writing anything like this, but after the opportunity arose for me to write and record an album and to get out playing some live dates all the buzz and excitement of what I felt in the LMT days came flooding back and I couldn't wait to get started. I just want to say thanks again to everyone for their support and hope you will join me as I dive off the musical sobriety wagon and enjoy doing something I love.
Jon”
On the 3rd October 2009, 2,500 emotionally drained souls poured out of Sheffield’s O2 Academy, having witnessed the climactic swansong of their beloved indie pop-punk heroes, Little Man Tate. It was a strange position to be in for both those onstage and those hardcore followers in the audience who had given their undying love and support to the band for nearly half a decade.
“What next?” was an obvious question, as an unusual hybrid of disappointment and optimism filled the city’s ever-changing skyline. Meanwhile, as the inevitable champagne corks popped backstage to the sound of Northern Soul classics and Mod-Rave faves and the handshakes and hugs had all done the rounds, the question on the lips of Sheff’s four thirsty daydream believers was “What if?”
Jon Windle, front man and song-smith of Little Man Tate, had ideas that went against the grain of sitting back and revelling in past glories. Something had to be done to prove that a fledgling career of Top 40 hits and countless world tours didn’t end with that infamous farewell gig in October. Stubborn determination and an ear for a massive chorus or two was the starting point for an internal rallying call that paved the way for future writing sessions within the bunker of his own living room. A solo project was now something Jon had needed to wet his lyrical appetite and so it came to fruition as the curtains closed on LMT 2005-2009. One of the songs written for Jon’s forthcoming (yet unnamed) new album is called ‘Step Out The Man’. A nod towards up-tempo 70’s rock with traces of Mott the Hoople, The Alarm and Roxy Music. “Step out the man, draw back the curtains, one thing’s for sure, nothing is certain.” A profound lyric that rests nicely on the lips of a born and bred Sheffielder who knows what it means to take risks and stand up and be counted. One thing was for certain however, the wintry nights were drawing in and keeping a true entertainer busy with countless scraps of paper and battered guitar strings which eventually, led to a body of material worth taking into the studio for the first time. Recording began in November at 2Fly Studios with the aid of erstwhile producer Alan Smyth. A tough taskmaster at times, Alan helped to forge the songs into shape, along with the help of other experienced Sheffield musicians, creating a playful atmosphere in the studio. Restless downtime energy was spent on staying focused whilst at the same time giving way to pool matches, trips to the golf course and numerous visits to city centre drinking holes. All of this activity proved to be a great way for Jon to feel creative and relaxed as production ideas buzzed around the mixing desk and the delicate tinkering of various tracks eventually led to a finished article. Jon Windle and his fine bunch of experienced musical grafters will be appearing on tour this Autumn with notable shows at London’s Borderline on the 22nd of October and Sheffield Plug on the 23rd.
The as yet untitled album will be in the shops during this time too and will be a timely reminder to those asking the questions nearly a year ago to the month.
Songs to watch out for on the album include the seductive and blissed-out vibes of ‘1995’. It’s earnest yet low-key, soulful melodies and Beach Boys-esque backing vocals prove that this excellent songwriter has hidden depths. He moves head-first out of one genre and into another with ‘Julia‘, a joyous folk-pop stomper which rattles along with Levellers-esque gleeful abandon. By the time the Spector-influenced ‘Sober Minds’ is introduced into the equation, with a chorus the Walker Brothers would be proud of, the platform has been well and truly set for a hugely successful and entertaining year. 2010 is when Jon Windle will break free from his shackles and show his guaranteed audience what they have been waiting for. Something different, something exciting and something new so Step out the man…
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